Things to do in the Czech Republic - 40 sights and experiences

What to see and do in the Czech Republic? This beautiful and exciting country offers everything from dramatic scenery and beautiful cities to historic sights and unique experiences. Find out all our top tips here.

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Things to do in the Czech Republic - our top tips

We have travelled in Czech Republic many times, and we have often spent quite a long time in the country. Most of the times we have travelled around with our own motorhome. A few times we have also travelled down on press trips, in cooperation with the Czech Tourist Office. It soon feels like we've been to every corner of this country, and the fact is that we love travelling in the Czech Republic.

And why is that? Probably the best thing is the incredible nature, with its dramatic rock formations. We also love all the castles and palaces, the picturesque towns and the ease of travelling by camper van, and staying in campsites.

What's more, prices are fairly reasonable, especially outside the capital Prague, which is naturally a little more expensive than the rest of the country. Here are our top tips for things to see and do in the Czech Republic!

1. book a weekend in Prague

Perhaps the most popular thing to do in the Czech Republic is to visit the capital, Prague. This is a very beautiful and historically interesting city, where you can check out the Prague Castle and the Astronomical Clock, as well as lots of different and interesting museums.

2. Experience a Christmas market in the Czech Republic

If you're visiting the Czech Republic at Christmas time, you won't want to miss the country's cosy Christmas markets. Several Christmas markets are usually organised in the capital. In addition, you can find cosy markets in other cities, such as Brno and Olomouc.

3. Stroll around the Konopiště forest castle

There are a lot of castles in the Czech Republic, and one that we like a little extra much is the forest castle Konopiště, which feels a little secretive and magical where it is surrounded by green forests. This castle is located just over half an hour by car from Prague and you can also get a guided tour inside the castle.

4. Be fascinated by the skeleton church in Sedlec

Not far from Konopiště you will find the silver town of Kutna Hora - once famous for its silver mining industry - and the skeleton church of Sedlec. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its architecture, and the skeleton church is also a unique site. This small chapel is decorated with the bones and skulls of 40,000 people.

5. Visit the town of Hradec Kralové

Hradec Králové is a small and historic Czech town, which is unexpectedly pleasant to discover. You can explore historic buildings, stroll through parks, visit museums and eat locally produced food. You can also discover the cosy Kemp Stříbrný rybník campsite.

6. See the rock formations at Adršpach Rocks

The northern part of the Czech Republic is full of exciting nature, and one of the most fascinating places is what is called Adršpach Rocks or Adršpach Teplice Rocks. The mountains stick out of the ground like cigars and it is incredibly cool to wander around this area.

7. Climb the Czech Republic's highest mountain Sněžka

One thing you can do in the Czech Republic is to visit the highest mountain in the country. This mountain is called Sněžka and is located in the Krkonoše mountain range in the Sudetenland. The mountain has an altitude of 1603 metres and is shared with Poland. We went up to the top by gondola lift and hiked all the way down. A great experience!

8. Get scammed in the treetop railway in Krkonoše

The treetop railway in Krkonoše, in the northern Czech Republic, offers a wonderful nature experience. You walk high up among the treetops, and experience the forest as the birds do. Those who wish can then take the slide down from the 45-metre high tower.

9. Discover the spectacular nature of Bohemian Paradise

Bohemian Paradise, or Český ráj as it is called in Czech, is a protected natural area in the north of the Czech Republic, roughly bounded by Turnov, Jičín and Mnichovo Hradiště. The area is characterised by stunning scenery and special sandstone formations. Here are some places to visit in Bohemian Paradise:

10. Canoeing on the Jizera River

Of course, you can canoe in many different places in the Czech Republic, but for example on the river Jizera in the area around Bohemian Paradise. We did a canoe trip starting from camping Ostrov in the small village of Malá Skála.

11. Get to the top of Mount Ještěd

Just outside the city of Liberec is Mount Ještěd. You can take a cable car or car to the top and, if there is no fog, you can enjoy a marvellous view. There is also a nice restaurant at the top, surrounded by large windows.

12. Be dazzled by glass and glass art in Kristalldalen

The Crystal Valley in the Czech Republic is an area in the north of the Czech Republic known for Bohemian crystal, glassworks and glass art. Here you can visit many different glassworks and glass exhibitions, as well as the Museum of Glass and Jewellery in Jablonec nad Nisou. Our favourite was the Pačinek Glassworks, which was an incredibly inspiring place.

13. Shop for handmade Christmas decorations - a Unesco World Heritage Site

Handmade Christmas decorations in the Czech Republic, made from blown glass beads, have a long tradition and the manufacturing process is now on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. At Rautis, in the north of the Czech Republic, you can see how they are made and perhaps buy a unique Christmas decoration to take home. A different thing to do in the Czech Republic!

14. check out "Devil Heads"

Devil heads in the Czech Republic is an odd sight in the form of two huge carved heads. Created by sculptor Václav Levý between 1841 and 1846, the nine-metre-high figures are based in the town of Želízy, with other unusual sites nearby.

15. Fascinated by the natural phenomenon of Panská skála

Panská skála is a fascinating natural phenomenon in the northern Czech Republic, consisting of tall pentagonal or hexagonal basalt columns. The shapes are so precise that one could almost believe that this is man-made, but this creation came about through volcanic activity many millions of years ago.

16. Hiking in Bohemian Switzerland

Bohemian Switzerland is a protected natural area in the north-west of the Czech Republic. The area is close to the German border, where nature continues with the name Saxon Switzerland, the region is known as Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland. Prepare yourself for great hikes with amazing views!

17. get to the sandstone arch of Pravcicka Brana

Pravcicka Brana is Europe's largest natural sandstone arch and is located in Bohemian Switzerland. The sandstone arch has a span of 26.5 metres, an internal height of 16 metres and a maximum width of 8 metres. The area is stunningly beautiful, with intensely green deciduous trees and high mountains, and is perfect for hiking.

18. Fantasires to Narnia in Tísa

Tisá in the Czech Republic is an area of stunning rock formations, the Tiské stěny, in the north of the country. This is where scenes for 'The Chronicles of Narnia' were filmed, and it's not hard to see why. This is a real fairytale landscape!

19. Stop in beautiful Děčín

A nice thing to do in the Czech Republic is to visit the town of Děčín. This town is located in the north-west of the country, on the Labe (Elbe) River near the German border. It is home to a beautiful castle, among other things, and is also an excellent starting point for nature experiences in Bohemian Switzerland. For example, you can stay at the Kemp Děčín city campsite.

20. visit the Theresienstadt concentration camp

The Czech city of Terezin, or Theresienstadt as it is known in German, is an old 18th-century garrison town, perhaps best known for being the site of a concentration camp during the Second World War. During the war, the camp held around 32,000 prisoners, many of whom died. A visit can feel heavy, but also important. Nearby, you can also visit the pleasant town of Litomerice.

21. Rest up in the spa town of Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary, or Karlsbad as it's known in German, is an incredibly beautiful town in the western Czech Republic, with a long history as a spa town. Here you can indulge in spa and wellness, but also soak up the fantastic atmosphere. You can also visit the Becherovka Museum, which tells the story of the liquor of the same name.

22. Try the spa in the spa triangle

The Spa Triangle is an area in the western Czech Republic that includes three spa towns: Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), Marianske Lazne (Mariánské Lázn?) and Frantiskovy Lazne. It's all about spa and wellness, and you'll find everything from traditional Czech treatments to modern wellness centres. In many places you can bathe in historically beautiful bathhouses.

23. Try the beer spa

A slightly different thing to do in the Czech Republic is to try a beer spa. This involves bathing in beer, or extract, while enjoying a good internal beer. The bath is considered good for everything from psoriasis and cellulite to relieving stress.

24. Blowing glass at Moser Glassworks

Moser Glassworks is an ancient glassworks, which opened back in 1857. Located just outside Karlovy Vary, it can be visited to see the glassblowers at work and to check out the glass museum. At best, you can try your hand at the noble art of glassblowing.

25. Meet the friendly dragon in Loket

Loket is a charming little town, almost completely surrounded by the river Ohre. The town is made up of narrow streets, and is dominated by the large castle that sits at the top. Legend has it that a kindly dragon lives here, who can help housewives light fires when they are cooking.

26. Hang out in the fairytale town of Český Krumlov 

The charming Czech town of Cesky Krumlov is located in the south of the country and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city centre has more than 300 protected buildings and a castle that is the second largest in the country. The inner part of the city is ringed by the Vltava River, where tourists travel on rubber dinghies and canoes.

27. Boat trip in Punkva Caves

Punkva Caves are located in Blansko, just north of the city of Brno. These large caves are filled with stalagtites, stalagmites and fascinating rock formations. What makes this cave extra worth visiting is a green grassy area in the centre of the cave, as well as the opportunity to take a boat ride on an underground river. An exciting thing to do in the Czech Republic!

28. Step into the tunnels under Brno

Brno is an interesting city to visit, with several underground tunnels to discover. For example, you can walk down the passages under the Cabbage Market, which was used in the Middle Ages. You can also check out an underground and previously secret location used during the communist era.

29. Join a guided tour of Villa Tugendhat

One of the most interesting places to visit in Brno is Villa Tugendhat - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is both the history and the architecture that make this place exciting. This is also where the document was signed when the Czech Republic and Slovakia became two countries in 1993.

30. Look inside Mikulov Castle

The town of Mikulov, in the south of the Czech Republic, is not only incredibly charming, it also has a beautiful castle. This castle also has some exciting history to offer. It was home to the Swedes during the 30 Years' War in 1645, when they tried to take Brno, and it's also home to the largest wine barrel in Central Europe.

31. Tasting Czech wine in Velke Bilovice

The Czech Republic is famous for beer, but it also produces wine. It is mainly white wine that is produced and you will find, among others, wine regions south of Brno. We have visited the wine region of Velke Bilovice, where we tasted very good white wine.

32. Enchanted by the beautiful Chateau Lednice

There are many beautiful castles in the Czech Republic, and Chateau Lednice is perhaps the most beautiful of them all. The palace dates from 1846-1858, when Prince Alois II of Lichtenstein had it rebuilt, with sumptuous rooms for banquets for the European aristocracy. Today, this palace serves as a museum.

33. Strosa i Kroměříž gardens 

Kroměříž Gardens and Castle is located in the town of Kroměříž in the eastern Czech Republic. The gardens, along with the castle, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer stunningly beautiful and historic settings in the Baroque style.

34. Travel to Olomouc in the eastern Czech Republic

Once the capital and largest city of Moravia, Olomouc is now a bustling student town, with winding alleyways, grand churches and beautiful buildings. There are also great restaurants to discover here.

35. Make a stop in the village of Štramberk

Štramberk is a cosy little village in the eastern Czech Republic, with a castle and small colourful houses climbing a hill. It is home to the Šipka Cave, where the jawbone of a Neanderthal child has been found. The village is also famous for the 'Štramberk ears' cookies, commemorating a historical event when Tatars invaded and the ears of the slain invaders were cut off to count them...

36. Learn about history at the Wallachian Open Air Museum

The Wallachian Open Air Museum is like Skansen in the Czech Republic. Located in the eastern part of the country, the museum showcases more than 100-year-old buildings, furniture and still-functioning mills and workshops from the eastern Czech Republic. 

37. explore the industrial city of Ostrava

Ostrava, located in the eastern Czech Republic, is a city full of mining and industrial history. You can visit the Landek Park Mining Museum and take a guided tour of the abandoned industrial area of Dolni Vitkovice. This special environment is also the setting for an annual music festival called 'Colours of Ostrava'.

38. Impressed by mighty castles

If you like mighty castles and cool castle ruins - then there's plenty for you to see and do in the Czech Republic. Many towns and villages have their own castle perched on a hill, and you'll also find plenty of castles in the countryside and forests. Here are some of the ones we've visited:

39. Taste Czech food and beer

The Czech Republic is known for its good beer. The food can be a bit stodgy, but is often well cooked and can offer great flavours. Try, for example, dumplings with baked duck and cabbage. Delicious and filling!

40. Relax with a spa in the Czech Republic

It is not only in the 'spa triangle' that you can enjoy spas. There are many different spas around the country, both in the cities and in the countryside. We tried the spas at Dvůr Perlová Voda and at the Liblice Castle Hotel, both in the north of the country. Nice experiences!

Any other suggestions for things to do in the Czech Republic?

Do you have more suggestions on what to see and do in the Czech Republic? Please leave a comment in the comments section!

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